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P.M. delivers stern message

(Photo: Misiona Simo)

AF

By Adel Fruean,
08/01/2019

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Don’t waste the opportunity to make a difference to your families and Samoa.

This was the message from Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi to scholarship awardees at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) yesterday. Tuilaepa was addressing the students before they depart for their destination of studies in places like Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

“This special gathering marks an important annual event for those of you who have successfully secured scholarships overseas,” said Tuilaepa.

“It recognizes your achievements and your commitment to do well over the course of the 2018 academic year and overall efforts have been rewarded through an award of studies overseas."

“Your future is now in your hands, your choices you become it, how far your dreams and aspirations will go. Bear in mind that you are sent overseas to attend school not find a husband.”

Tuilaepa emphasized the significance of the opportunity.

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“A well-educated, skilled and healthy population will contribute to the economic and social development of our country and the prosperity of our people. When the challenges pile up, remember that you would always find strength and solace in God through the power of prayer.”

Tuilaepa also used the opportunity to thank Samoa’s donor partners.

“We acknowledge the generous support provided by all our development partners which is fundamental to sustaining the scholarship scheme in the years ahead."

“On behalf of the Government of Samoa, I wish to convey our sincere appreciation in particular to the governments of Australia and New Zealand with assistance through providing these valuable opportunities made available in both New Zealand, Australia and the region.”

He stated that Australia and New Zealand not only provide basic educational opportunities for foundation students but they have given opportunities to those working in the private and public sector.

One of the scholarship awardees to New Zealand, Regina Lo Tam, is extremely grateful. She is heading to Auckland University.

According to the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peseta Noumea Simi, for the 2019 intake, 79 is the total number of Foundation students sponsored.

Some 58 scholarship awards are funded by Australia and New Zealand, 21 scholarships funded by Samoa. Within 21 are 15 regional awards to Fiji and six partially funded awards to New Zealand.

There is an additional 15 distance learning education scholarships sponsored jointly by the governments of Australia and Samoa.